The Bryan Nelson Jennings Memorial Trophy would, for a short period in the 1990s, be a coveted trophy awarded to the most outstanding Automotive Parts and Accessories Merchandising Apprentice of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps(RNZAOC).
Apprenticeships for the Automotive Parts and Accessories Merchandising Trade (AP Trade) had been established in 1965 to provide the RNZAOC with skilled tradespeople for employment in RNZAOC Workshops Stores Sections that had been established as part of Royal New Zealand Electrical Mechanical and Electrical Engineers(RNZEME) Workshops and Light Aid Detachments in 1962.
The role of RNZAOC Stores Sections was to carry and manage the specialised holdings of spares, assemblies & workshop materials (Class 9 stores) of their parent workshops.
Administered by the New Zealand Trade Certification Board (now the New Zealand Qualifications Authority), the Automotive Parts and Accessories Merchandising apprentice training scheme consisted of 9000 working hours of study and on the job training with three Trade Board examinations required to gain the trade qualification.
Initially, apprentices would begin their training as 16-year-old Regular Force Cadets (RF Cadets), who, on graduation, would complete their apprentice training at the Main Ordnance Depot, MT Spares Section at Trentham Camp. However, during the 1970s, RNZAOC direct entry recruits were also accepted as apprentices.
Further progression in the AP trade was achieved by qualified apprentices undertaking the New Zealand Management Certificate in Automotive Parts & Accessories Merchandising. the first two Certificate level qualifications were awarded in 1988 To;
Sergeant M Wilson (0001)
Sergeant S O’Brien (0002)
The final AP Trade Apprentice would be recruited in 1996, following which the apprentice scheme would cease as the foundation for the AP Trade.
Warrant Officer Class One Bryan Nelson Jennings
Bryan was born in Wellington in 1926. Too young to see active service in WW2, Bryan served with the Melrose Battalion, Wellington South Home Guard unit from 1 April 1943 to 1 April 1944, attaining the rank of Corporal.
Volunteering for service with ‘J ‘ Force, the New Zealand component of the British Occupation Forces (BCOF) in Japan, Bryana would be posted to 4 New Zealand Base Ordnance Depot (later renamed to 4 NZ Ordnance Field Park) in August 1946. Completing his engagement, Bryan would return to New Zealand on 14 September 1947. Following a short period posted to the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham as part of the post-war Interim Army, Bryan was soon discharged and returned to civilian life.
Enlisting into the Regular Forces RNZAXCO on1 April 1948, Bryan undertook a short period of refresher training at the Army School of Instruction at Trentham before being posted to the Main Ordnance Depot as a storeman in the Technical Spares Group and later in the Tyre Store.
Temporarily posted to 10 Coastal Regiment RNZA at Fort Dorset, Bryan, like many of his contemporaries, would be employed on the wharves during the 1951 Waterfront Workers strike.
Promoted to Temporary Sergeant on 25 November 1953, Bryan would be promoted Staff Sergeant on 13 October 1958. Poste to 1 Composite Ordnance Company n loan back in 1964, Bryan would remain at the Main Ordnance Depot.
Posted to 1 General Troops Workshops, Stores Section, Linton Camp as a Warrant Officer Class Two in 1965, Bryan would soon find himself loaned back to the Central Districts Motor Transport Workshops at Trentham.
Seconded to the New Zealand Cadre (Fiji) of the Fijian Military Forces in 1968 as a Temporary Warrant Officer Class One in 1968, Bryan would spend the next two years assisting in the training and development of the Fiji Military Forces.
Returning to New Zealand in January 1971, Bryan was posted to 1 Base Workshops, Trentham and promoted to Warrant Officer Class One. Bryan would remain at 1 Base Workshops and the IC Stores section until his release from the army on n 21 April 1981.
During Bryans more than thirty-two years of service, he was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal on 25 March 1965, followed by the Meritorious Service Medal on19 April 1978.
Following his retirement, Bryan would remain in Upper Hurt. Staying engaged with the community, Bryan was an active member of the Lions organisation and a member of the School Board of the Heretaunga College.
Bryan passed away on 9 August 1989 at Upper Hurt after a long illness.
In his memory, The Bryan Nelson Jennings memorial trophy was instituted in 1991. Although not an AP Trade Apprentice himself, Bryan was a mentor to many apprentices and was described as a legend in the trade.
The object of the award was to provide a tangible mark of achievement and was intended to encourage junior soldiers of the AP trade to reach and maintain a high standard of professional competence and personnel integrity.
Nominations for the award were graded against the following attributes:
Basic Soldier Skills
Loyalty
Sportsmanship
Enthusiasm
Dress, bearing and personnel appearance
Trade Skills
Personnel eligible for consideration for the trophy were to meet the following requirements
Not be above the rank of Substantive Lance Corporal
Must have attended either 1st, 2nd or 3rd qualifying examinations in the past 12 Months
Must still be serving their apprenticeship.
The Trophy now resides at the Trade Training School of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment.
The Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC) and its predecessors were responsible for crucial storekeeping duties, ensuring the supply of Clothing, Camp Equipment, Ammunition, Arms, and Accessories to New Zealand’s Military Forces. As the Second World War unfolded, the complexity of military storekeeping transformed dramatically, encompassing a wide array of military equipment, including vehicles, communications gear, and mechanical plant. These new assets were deployed in massive numbers and necessitated many accessories and intricate repair parts to keep them operational. To streamline control and provide an optimal system, the RNZAOC implemented significant measures in 1963. They established RNZAOC Stores Sections within the Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineer (RNZEME) workshops. In addition, the Auto Parts trade was initiated in 1965, reinforcing the overall process. This article offers an enlightening and sweeping overview of how the Mechanical Transport Branch (MT Branch) and the RNZAOC effectively managed Mechanical Transport Stores (MT Stores) from 1939 to 1963.
In 1939, as the New Zealand Army mobilised, it aimed to seamlessly integrate into a larger British army, much like in the First World War. The British army had already embraced modern technology, making it highly motorised and technologically advanced so that ‘By the time of the invasion of Poland, the British Army in Europe was rather more motorised than the German Army.’[1]. Some aspects of this advanced doctrine made its way to New Zealand in the late 1930s with modern equipment like Bren Guns and Universal carriers. The army had even conducted some basic experiments in motorisation. However, due to interwar defence policies and financial constraints, the New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (NZAOC) was not efficiently organised like its counterpart, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), in the United Kingdom. Consequently, the NZAOC was unprepared to function effectively when the war began.
During the Second World War, it was as if New Zealand maintained two separate armies. The first was the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2nd NZEF), fully equipped with combat units, supporting arms, and logistic units. These forces were organised according to modified War Office Establishment tables, with G1098 stores directly drawn from British stocks. [2] The second army was the NZ Army at home, also organised according to War Office Establishment tables. However, a New Zealand logistical base provided its equipment needs and G1098 Stores.
This dichotomy in organisation and preparedness highlighted New Zealand’s challenges as it strived to align itself with modern military practices while operating within the constraints of its resources and policy decisions.
In 1939, the NZAOC was constrained by interwar defence limitations, primarily focusing on supplying and maintaining clothing, equipment, ammunition, and weapons. Despite the army possessing 56 vehicles, the NZAOC lacked substantial experience in supporting Mechanical Transport (MT) at the scale the rapidly growing army required. Most senior leadership had been seconded to the 2nd NZEF, which hindered the NZAOC’s ability to expand effectively during the critical early wartime years.
Recognising the urgent need to expand and manage the Army’s MT fleet, the Quartermaster General (QMG) took a bold step away from convention and established a separate MT Branch. This move allowed the NZAOC to focus on its core responsibilities. At the same time, the MT Branch managed and maintained the multitude of purchased or impressed vehicles required by the military.
Drawing inspiration from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) in the United Kingdom, the MT Branch wisely leveraged the expertise of the New Zealand Motor industry. Many of its staff were directly recruited from the motor industry into the New Zealand Temporary Staff (NZTS), ensuring a wealth of specialised knowledge and experience was brought to the forefront of this critical military function. During the early years of the war, the NZ Military primarily relied on civilian vehicles impressed into service. They initially purchased existing stock from New Zealand’s motor manufacturers and dealerships to ensure an adequate supply of MT spares. However, as the war continued, the influx of new vehicles, equipment, and spares from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States necessitated significant expansion of the MT Branch.
New Zealand Temporary Staff. Robert McKie Collection
MT Workshops
1 MT Workshops, Trentham
2 MT Workshop, Waiouru
3 MT Workshops, Papakura
4 MT Workshops, Whangarei
5 MT Workshops, Palmerston North
6 MT Workshops, Wellington
7 MT Workshops, Blenheim
8 MT Workshops, Burnham
9 MT Workshop, Dunedin
MT Depots providing pools of vehicles.
1 MT Depot, Auckland
2 MT Depot, Hamilton
3 MT Depot, Napier
4 MT Depot, Wanganui
5 MT Deport, Christchurch
MT Stores Depots providing MT spares, tools and equipment for MT Workshops and Depots
1 Base MT Stores Depot, Wellington
2 MT Stores Depot, Auckland
3 MT Stores Depot, Wellington
4 MT Stores Depot, Christchurch
7 MT Stores Depot, Blenheim
Freed from the burden of managing MT, the Chief Ordnance Officer (COO) with NZAOC, Territorial units of the New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) and personnel from the NZTS would provide.
All natures of stores and equipment, other than rations, forage, and fuel.
The repair and maintenance of armaments and equipment, including.
Light Aid Detachments and mobile workshops to provide 1st and 2nd line support across Field Force Units
Armament and General Engineering Workshops.
Main Ordnance Workshop, Trentham
11 Ordnance Workshop, Whangarei
12 Ordnance Workshop, Devonport
13 Ordnance Workshop, Blenheim
14 Ordnance Workshop, Burnham
15 Ordnance Workshop, Dunedin
As of 31 March 1944, the MT Stores Depots had undergone significant reorganisation and successfully handled the following quantities of Tyres and MT Parts:
180 different sizes of Tyres
Purchased from overseas – 83174.
Purchased in New Zealand – 12534
Total Purchased – 95708
Transferred to Supply Department – 11018
Other issues – 28700
In stock 31/3/1944 – 55990
Reserved for Supply Department – 2000
General – 35990
Used tyres recapped and re-treaded – 9983.
Reconditioned tyres reissued – 7301.
Reconditioned tyres in stock 31 March 1944 – 2682
M.T. Parts. (Not including body-building material)
Received from overseas (Total of 9182 Tons)
Wheeled vehicles, parts- 20472 Packages
Tracked vehicles, parts – 39408 Packages.
Tracked vehicles, tracks – 8280 Bundled.
Packages broken down and binned – 23895.
Packages transferred to United States Forces – 1050
Packages in Bulk Store – 43215
Shipments of MT Parts and Tyres to the Pacific
3 Division – 1149 Tons
Fiji – 406 Tons
Tonga – 112 Tons
Norfolk – 30 Tons
1944 MT Stores Organisation
Base MT Stores Depot, Wellington.
8 Officers
103 Other Ranks
Depot No 7, 186-200 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Rented, 3353 Square Meters, Main Base Store for parts, tools, etc. Administrative Offices.
Depot No 8, 102 Wakefield Street, Wellington, Rented, 1115 Square Meters, Bulk Tyre Store.
Depot No 9, 97 Taranaki Street, Rented, 1300 Square Meters, Parts etc for AFV.
Depot No 10, Cable Street, Wellington, Rented, 1821 Square Meters, Bulk part store.
Depot No 11, George Street, Wellington Rented, 238 Square Meters, Bulk store for heavy parts, AFV.
Depot No 11, Taranaki Street, Wellington, Rented, 186 Square Meters, Bulk stores for heavy parts, AFV.
Depot No 12, Coutts Street, Kilbirnie, Rented, 232 Square Meters, Bulk store for body-building material.
Depot No 13, 129 Tory Street, Wellington, Rented, 279 Square Meters, Bulk Store – Steel
Depot No 14, Gracefield, Petone, Govt Store, 1542 Square Meters, Bulk Store – General
Depot No 15, Gracefield, Petone, Govt Store, 1579 Square Meters, Bulk Tyre Store
Depot No 15, Kent Terrace, Wellington, Rented, 881 Square Meters, Bulk Tyre Store
Depot No 16, Gracefield, Petone, Govt Store, 1412 Square Meters, Bulk Store – General
Depot No 17, Gracefield, Petone, Govt Store, 1709 Square Meters, Bulk Store – General
Depot No 18, General Motors, Petone, Special, 743 Square Meters, Parts Store – GM Products
Depot No 19, General Motors, Petone, Special, 743 Square Meters, Parts Store – Ford Products
Depot No 21, Gracefield, Petone, Govt Store, 1951 Square Meters, Bulk Store – General
“Advanced Base Stores Depot, Northern Military District
1 Officer
26 Other Ranks
Depot No 2, Hood Street, Hamilton, Rented, 809 Square Meters, Parts and Tyres
Depot No 3, Drill Hall, Hamilton, Government, 372 Square Meters, Bulk Store
Advanced Base Stores Depot, CentralMilitary District
1 Officer
17 Other Ranks
Depot No 4, 83 King Street, Palmerston North, Rented, 650 Square Meters, Parts Store
Depot No 5, Showgrounds, Palmerston North, Rented, 1338 Square Meters, Tyres and bulk parts.
Depot No 6, Palmerston North, Rented, 310 Square Meters, Bulk Parts
Advanced Base Stores Depot, Southern Military District
1 Officer
21 Other Ranks
Depot No 26, Kilmore Street, Christchurch, Rented, 986 Square Meters, Parts and Tyres
Depot No 27a, Litchfield Street, Christchurch, Rented, 418 Square Meters, AFV Parts
Depot No 27b, Christchurch, Rented, 465 Square Meters, Used Tyres.[4]
Post War
Before the war, the NZAOC was not effectively organised to fulfil its functions. However, after the war, there was an opportunity to reorganise the NZAOC to align it with the organisational structures and procedures of the RAOC (Royal Army Ordnance Corps), which included the management of vehicles and MT Spares. Originally intended as a temporary wartime organisation, the MT Branch would have its wartime responsibilities integrated into the reorganised NZAOC. Additionally, a newly established NZEME (New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) would take on specific roles as part of the overall restructuring.[5]
MT Workshops
From 1 September 1946, the MT Branch Workshops and the Ordnance Workshops were integrated into the newly established NZEME organisation.[6]
MT Vehicle Depots
Following the return of many impressed vehicles to their original owners or their disposal during the war, the MT Vehicle Depots were left with a significant inventory of military vehicles. To streamline operations, responsibility for the MT Vehicle Depots was transferred to the RNZAOC on 1 September 1947, establishing the RNZAOC Vehicle Depots at Sylvia Park, Trentham, and Burnham.[7]
MT Spares Depots
On 1 April 1948, after conducting multiple audits and stocktakes, MT Stores handed over spare parts, tools, and accessories to the RNZAOC. To ensure smooth management of MT Stores, the RNZAOC established MT Spares Groups at the Main Ordnance Depot (MOD) in Trentham and the Northern and Southern District Ordnance Depots.
The supply system for MT Stores involved RNZEME workshops holding a small stock managed by RNZEME Stores Staff. Replenishment was through Local Purchase or the supporting District Ordnance Depot, MT Group. An exception existed with the Central Districts Workshops at Waiouru and Linton, which demanded supplies directly from the MOD MT Stores Group at Trentham. This issue was resolved in 1954 when the Central Districts Ordnance Depot at Linton was authorised to establish an MT Stores Depot, streamlining the process.
By 1961, the NZ Army vehicle fleet underwent a significant transition, with the older World War Two era vehicles, including Chevrolets, Fords, and GMCs, being replaced by a modern fleet of Bedford’s and Land Rovers. As the vehicle fleet transitioned, the management of MT Stores was also reviewed, leading to several changes implemented between 1961 and 1962.
Workshop Stores Sections
A transformative era commenced in 1962, as the RNZAOC Workshop Stores Sections emerged as integrated powerhouses within the following RNZEME Workshops:
Northern Districts Workshops
Central Districts Workshops
Central Districts Armament and General Workshops
Central Districts MT Workshops
Southern District Workshops
This momentous shift witnessed 50% of the new Stores Sections’ staff comprised of RNZEME personnel, transitioning into the RNZAOC, heralding an unparalleled synergy, propelling these sections to new heights of efficiency and effectiveness. Thus, a legacy of innovation and collaboration was born, forever changing the landscape of logistical excellence.[8]
Ordnance Deport MT Stores Groups
A transformative restructuring unfolded with the inception of RNZAOC Stores Sections, triggering a series of cascading changes. The District Ordnance Depot, MT Stores Groups, underwent a reroll, transforming into Technical Stores Groups, relinquishing their hold on MT Stores with MT Stores stocks reallocated to the new Stores Sections, initially equipped with a six-month inventory, later streamlined to three months from January 1963. Any surplus stock from the District Ordnance Depots found a new home in the MOD, optimising resource allocation.
By the close of 1963, RNZAOC Stores Sections had firmly established their presence within the RNZEME Workshops. Beyond merely providing MT Spares, they evolved to encompass a comprehensive array of repair parts and spares essential for workshop operations. Within the RNZAOC, these sections fostered their distinct identity and culture, paving the way for introducing the RNZAOC Auto Parts and Accessories trade in 1965.
Conclusion
The RNZAOC and its predecessors played a vital role in storekeeping duties, supplying essential items to New Zealand’s Military Forces, including clothing, camp equipment, ammunition, arms, and accessories. During the Second World War, military storekeeping became more complex, involving various military equipment, vehicles, communications gear, and mechanical plant.
The MT Branch had managed MT Stores during the war, but post-war reorganisation integrated these responsibilities into the RNZAOC. Additionally, the NZEME assumed specific roles within the restructuring. To streamline operations, the RNZAOC implemented significant measures in 1963. They established RNZAOC Stores Sections within the RNZEME workshops, integrating RNZEME Stores personnel into the RNZAOC. This move facilitated unmatched synergy and efficiency, transforming the logistical landscape.
Overall, the RNZAOC Stores Sections became an integral part of the RNZEME workshops, providing not only MT Spares but also a full range of repair parts and spares. This collaboration fostered a unique culture and set the stage for introducing the RNZAOC Auto Parts and Accessories trade in 1965. The RNZAOC’s evolution enhanced logistical excellence and efficiency, significantly impacting New Zealand’s military operations.
Notes
[1] Jonathan Fennell, Fighting the people’s war : the British and Commonwealth armies and the Second World War, Armies of the Second World War, (Cambridge University Press, 2019), Non-fiction, 32.
[2] Army Form G1098, the Unit Equipment Table giving the entitlement to stores and equipment.
[3] “Staff – Motor transport branch,” Archives New Zealand Item No R22438851 (1942).
[4] “Appendices to Report on QMG (Quartermaster-General’s) Branch,” Archives New Zealand Item No R25541151 (30 June 1944), .
[5] “Organisation – Policy and General – Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1946-1984,” Archives New Zealand Item No R17311537 (1946).
[6] The NZEME would gain royal status in 1947 as the Royal New Zealand Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RNZEME).
[7] Peter Cooke, Warrior Craftsmen, RNZEME 1942-1996 (Wellington: Defense of New Zealand Study Group, 2017), 189.
[8] “Organisation – Policy and General – Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps 1946-1984.”
Rickshaw Military Research specialises in the research and transcription of New Zealand Military Service Records to allow families to learn of their families military experience in peace and war. Services offered by Rickshaw Military Research include;
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For all those interested in discovering more about their ancestors military service, accessing the individual’s service record and understanding what is written in it can be a daunting exercise,first in gaining the service record and then interpreting the peculiar language used by the military and making sense of the many abbreviations used, reading a service record often leads to more questions than answers.
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Record of service, from enlistment to demobilisation, including;
Formations/Units served in.
Campaigns and battles that were participated in.
Locations visited.
Record of Promotions.
Record of Illness and Injuries.
Records of medals and awards, including citations.
Brief description of post-service activities.
Illustrations will be provided where possible and could include;
Photos of the serviceman.
Medals.
Badges and patches worn.
Maps.
Equipment used, i.e. if a serviceman was a tank driver, an illustration of the type of tank driven.
Services offered
Pre 1921 Records
Service records prior to 1921 including the South Africa and First World War.
Basic one-page summary of service: $100*
Basic service information from attestation to discharge edited to fit on a single A4 sheet.
Full transcript of service : $250*
Transcript of service relating to target serviceman with additional information on units served in and campaigns participated in presented as a booklet or interactive Web App.
Post 1921 Records
Service records from 1921 including the Second World War, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, South Vietnam, CMT & National Service, Peacekeeping and Territorial and Regular service in New Zealand)
Basic one-page summary of service: $150*
Basic service information from attestation to discharge edited to fit on a single A4 sheet.
Full transcript of service : $300*
Transcript of service relating to target serviceman with additional information on units served in and campaigns participated in presented as a booklet or interactive Web App.
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Other research outside the scope of researching Personnel Records is charged at a rate of NZD$30 per hour.
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The RNZAOC experienced a momentous period marked by key developments. Establishing the RNZAOC School was a notable milestone, alongside identifying challenges related to officer recruitment. This era also witnessed the realisation of plans to modernize and equip the Army with state-of-the-art resources. The initial deliveries of new equipment arrived, replacing a significant portion of the outdated wartime equipment and contributing to the transformation of the Army into a modern and well-equipped force.
Key Appointments
Director of Ordnance Services
Temporary Lieutenant Colonel H. McK. Reid
Chief Inspecting Ordnance Officer
Major JW Marriot
Officer Commanding Main Ordnance Depot
Major Harry White, from 1 May 1959
RNZAOC School
Chief Instructor – Major Harry White
Regimental Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class One Alfred Wesseldine
2nd Battalion, the New Zealand Regiment
In July 1959, the 2nd Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment was reestablished at Waiouru. The battalion embarked on a rigorous workup and training phase, preparing them for their deployment to Malaya in November 1959, where they would relieve the 1st Battalion. To support the training and preparations of the 2nd Battalion, the RNZAOC furnished the battalion with the essential equipment it required by drawing from existing stocks. This ensured that the battalion was fully equipped from the ground up to fulfil its operational requirements.
Establishment of RNZOAC School
Upper Hutt City Library (29th Jan 2020). Trentham Camp; Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps School sign.. In Website Upper Hutt City Library. Retrieved 14th Jul 2020 11:51, from https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/1335
Under discussion by the Army Board since 1956, the RNZAOC School was established in September 1959. Established within the Peacetime Establishment of the Main Ordnance Depot, the RNZAOC School would be under HQ Ordnance Services’ direct control and independent of the Army Schools.[1]
The initial school organisation would be.
A Headquarters,
Chief Instructor – Major Harry White
School Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class One Wesseldine
Ammunition Wing
Stores and Vehicle Wing
The function of the RNZAOC School would be to run courses and training for RF and TF personnel of the RNZAOC, including
Star Classification Courses – particularly for Storeman/Clerks RNZAOC and Ammunition Examiners.
Promotion courses for both officers and ORs.
Recruit training RNZAOC Personnel, including Recruit training for Group 2 personnel.
Advanced training for both officers and ORs, in all types of Ordnance activities.
Technical training in ordnance subjects, e.g. Inspecting Ordnance Officer courses.
Preservations and packing etc.
Refresher training for qualified personnel.
Other courses notified in the annual Forecast of Courses.
Additionally, as directed by DOS, the RNZAOC School was required to.
Plan and hold conferences and training exercises.
Draft procedure instructions.
Test, or comment on new procedures, materials, or equipment.
Research various aspects of Ordnance activities.
The first course conducted by the RNZAOC School would be an instructor’s Course conducted in late 1959.
First Instructors Course, 1959.
Chief Instructor Major Harry White is seated 3rd from left.
Officer in the front Centre id Makor K.G Cropp.
Robert Mckie RNZAOC Collection
Officer Shortfall
A projection of planned retirements for RNZAOC Officers up until 1962 indicated that a total of seventeen officers would be leaving the service. Historically, the main method of filling RNZAOC officer positions had been through the commissioning of Other Ranks with Quartermaster Commissions. However, since November 1956, only three officers had joined the RNZAOC directly as officers.
Upon evaluating the planned officer retirements in relation to the RNZAOC officer establishment, it was discovered that the organization faced a deficiency of six officers. This shortage highlighted two significant issues that needed to be addressed.
The RNZAOC Officer Corps was becoming a Corps of old men, with 83% of Officers in the 39 to 54 age group
The RNZAOC Other Ranks Structure was denuded of the best SNCO’s and Warrant Officers.
To rectify the situation, the following recommendations were made.
The RNZAOC press for an increased intake from Duntroon and Portsea of graduates to the RNZAOC.
Suitable officers no older than 30 years of age, and in the two to four-year Lieutenant bracket, be encouraged to change Corps to the RNZAOC.
Further commissioning of QM officers be strongly resisted unless there was no other alternative.
Conferences
Over the period 1 -3 September 1959, DOS hosted a conference at Army HQ for the District DADOS, Officer Commanding MOD, and the Ordnance Directorate members. The general agenda of the meeting included.[2]
Local purchase of stores by DADOS
Training of group 2 Personnel
RNZAOC School
Provision Problems
Surplus Stores
Personnel – postings and promotions
DADOS and OC MOD were required to provide in duplicate, personnel lists by unit containing.
Regimental No, rank, and name
Marital Status
Establishment statue, either PES, CSS or HSS
Present posting
Purchases for RF Brigade Group
District Problems
Small Arms Ammunition
With the introduction of the 7.62mm rifle, the Colonial Ammunitions Company (CAC) faced the task of transitioning its manufacturing from the existing .303 calibre to the new 7.62mm calibre. Having served as the supplier of Small Arms Ammunition to the Defence Force since 1888, the CAC was committed to maintaining this longstanding relationship. The company invested in the necessary tools and machinery to produce 7.62mm ammunition to fulfil this commitment. During this period, they successfully completed their first production run of the new calibre. While the NZ Army possessed sufficient stocks of .303 ammunition for the foreseeable future, the CAC retained the capability to manufacture .303 ammunition if needed.
Introduction of New Equipment
The RNZAOC played a vital role in the acceptance processes of newly introduced equipment. Upon arrival from the supplier, the equipment, accessories, and spare parts were received at the Main Ordnance Depot. Thorough inspections were conducted, and the equipment was outfitted with all necessary accessories before being distributed to the respective units. Depending on the equipment, a few examples might have been retained in RNZAOC Depots as War Reserve/Repair and Maintenance Stock.
RNZAOC depots maintained maintenance stocks of accessories and spare parts as operating stock to ensure operational readiness. If the new equipment included a weapon system, the RNZAOC Ammunition Depots managed the specific ammunition required. During this period, the following equipment was introduced into service;[3]
110 Land Rover Series 2a 109.
144 Truck 3-Ton Bedford RL, 48 fitted with a winch
3 Ferret Mark 1/1 Scout Car
270 Wireless Sets. C45 – VHF transceiver,
2000 9mm Sub Machine Gun Sterling Mk4 L2A3.
500 7.62 mm Self Loading Rifle, L1A1 (SLR).
Uniforms
The Clothing and Equipment Committee approved the adoption of a standardized training uniform for New Zealand soldiers across all conditions within New Zealand. This uniform would serve as the foundational attire for training purposes.
Boots (Fory types under trial and development)
Anklets (Australian pattern)
Shirt (light wool)
Trouser ( Green drill material cut to UK pattern)
Hat (Jungle Type)
Disposals
In August 1958, the Army established a new organization dedicated to handling the declaration and disposal of surplus and obsolete equipment. Since August 1959, this disposal organization has declared over 9,000 lines, encompassing thousands of items, to the Government Stores Board for Disposal.
Ammunition Disposal
The disposal process for dangerous or obsolete ammunition continued, dumping over 900 tons of outdated ammunition at sea. Approximately 130,000 rounds of hazardous artillery ammunition were also destroyed through controlled burning or detonation.
Efforts were made to salvage the maximum amount of recyclable metal whenever feasible. These salvage operations yielded around £10,000 (equivalent to NZD $243,276 in 2020) from the sale of scrap metal and containers.[4]
Ration Packs
In 1959, the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC) assembled a total of 24,000 one-person 24-hour Ration Pack No. 1 following successful user trials. These ration packs, accompanied by newly introduced solid fuel cookers, were extensively utilized by the 2nd Battalion of the NZ Regiment during the build-up training for Malaya and by the Territorial Force during the Annual Camp.
Shooting Competition
Staff Sergeant I.G Campbell, RNZAOC was selected by the National Rifle Association as a team member representing New Zealand at 91st Annual Prize Meeting at Bisley in the United Kingdom, 4- 20 July 1960.
Award of Army Sports Colours
Major D.E. Roderick from Auckland was awarded the 1960 Army Sports Colours in appreciation of his notable contribution to Army Sport. Major Roderick excelled as a representative of the Army in cricket, hockey, and badminton and played a pivotal role in developing sports facilities at Trentham Camp. Additionally, within the RNZAOC, Major Roderick held a longstanding membership with the Upper Hutt Cricket Club and served as both a player and administrator for the MOD Cricket team. [5]
Honours and Awards
British Empire Medal
Sergeant (Temporary Staff Sergeant) Maurice William Loveday, Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Regular Force), of Trentham.[6]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Officers of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
Major Ronald Geoffrey Patrick O’Connor is transferred to the Reserve of Officers, General List, Royal NZ Army Ordnance, in Major’s rank, 4 May 1959.[7]
Major and Quartermaster K. A. Bailey, M.M., having reached retiring age for rank, is transferred to the Supernumerary list, and granted an extension of his engagement until 12 January 1960, 11 August 1959.[8]
Captain Frederick George Cross is transferred to the Reserve of Officers, General List, Royal NZAOC, in the rank of Captain, 1 September 1959. [9]
Captain L. C. King is re-engaged for a period of one year, as from 4 October 1959.[10]
Captain (temp. Major) J. Harvey relinquishes the temporary rank of Major, 6 March 1960.[11]
Regular Force (Supernumerary List)
Major and Quartermaster K. A. Bailey, MM., is granted an extension of his engagement for one year from 13 January 1960.[12]
Captain and Quartermaster S. H. E. Bryant is re-engaged for one year as from 28 October 1959.[13]
Captain and Quartermaster R. P. Kennedy, E.D., is re-engaged for a period of one year as from 13 April 1960.[14]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster George Witherman McCullough is posted to the Retired List, 12 February 1960.[15]
2nd Lieutenant J. T. Skedden to be Lieutenant, 12 December 1959.[16]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster R. H. Colwill to be temporary Captain and Quartermaster, 9 February 1960.[17]
Territorial Force
Captain Keith Stothard Brown relinquishes the appointment of OC, Technical Stores Platoon, 1st Divisional Ordnance Field Park, RNZAOC and is posted to the Retired List, 4 August 1959.[18]
Reserve of Officers
Captain Hugo Sarginsone posted to the Retired List, 10 July 1959.[19]
Captain Noel Lester Wallburton posted to the Retired List, 10 August 1959.[20]
Captain Sidney Paxton Stewart posted to the Retired List, I September 1959. [21]
Major Percival Nowell Erridge, MBE posted to the Retired List, 25 December 1959.[22]
Major Alexander Basil Owen Herd, from the British Regular Army Reserve· of Officers, to be Major, 3 October I 959.[23]
Major Frank Owen L’Estrange, from the British Regular Army Reserve of Officers, to be Major, 11 November 1959.[24]
Captain Cyril Peter Derbyshire, from the British Regular Army Reserve of Officers, to be Captain, 1 January 1960.[25]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and men of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
H594833 Private David Orr NZ Regiment Transferred into the RNZAOC, November 1959.
B31685 Staff Sergeant Ian McDonald Russell promoted to Temporary Warrant Officer Class Two, 23 June 1959.
Notes
[1] “Charter for the Rnzaoc School,” in Organisation – Policy and General – RNZAOC (Archives New Zealand No R173115371960); Major J.S Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Trentham: RNZAOC, 1992), 176-77, 252.
[2]Conferences – Ordnance Officers, Item Id R17188101 (Wellington: Archives New Zealand, 1950).
[3] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1959 to 31 March 1960,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1960).
This period would see a significant shift in the focus of the Army’s effort. The Government had decided to retain the force structure to meet the requirements of a global war and transform the regular Army into a force capable of meeting the needs of limited War. This would see Compulsory Military Training end, and Territorial Training becoming Voluntary and the Regular Force’s operational framework modified, with recruiting initiated to build up the force and new equipment purchased within the limits of available finances.[1]
Key Appointments
Director of Ordnance Services
Lieutenant Colonel H. McK. Reid.
Commanding Officer Main Ordnance Depot
Major O.H Burn to 21 July 1958
Major G.J.H Atkinson from 21 July 1958
United Nations Posting
In July 1958, Major O.H Burn was assigned as a United Nations military observer in the Middle East, assuming the role of a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel. However, due to a typographical error, Major Burn was erroneously listed as promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General in the New Zealand gazette. This promotion would have made him New Zealand’s sole Lieutenant General during peacetime.
A correction stating his correct rank of temporary lieutenant colonel was scheduled to be published in the Gazette to rectify this mistake. However, before the correction could be made, numerous facetious friends sent messages of congratulations to Lt Col Burn. Unfortunately, these messages likely perplexed him as he had already departed from New Zealand before the notice appeared in the Gazette.
Compulsory Military Training
During this period one CMT intakes marched in with the RNZAOC recruits posted to 1 (NZ) Division Ordnance Field Park on completion of initial training;[2]
27th intake of 1542 recruits on 1 May 1958
28th intake planned for August 1958 but not held
After 63,033 men were trained under the CMT Scheme, the Labour Government halted the CMT scheme and replaced the 1949 Military Training Act with the National Service Registration Act 1958 in early 1958.
Conferences
DOS Conference 27-29 May 1958
Hosted by the DOS at Army HQ, the agenda for this meeting included.[3]
Survey of Stores – Army 246/37/1/Q(Org) of 6 October 57.
Accounting
Clothing
Demands
Identification of items
Bright Steel nuts and bolts
Trade names and trade equivalents
Finance
Vapour proof packaging of stores
Use of export cases
General
District problems
Further Army HQ problems if necessary
Uniforms
During this period, RNZAOC ordnance Depots and clothing stores would introduce the following new uniform types.[4]
Males Other Rank Service Dress – this uniform was issued to all-male soldiers of the Regular Force.
Jungle Green Drill – the issue of Jungle Green uniforms to replace uniforms previously produced in Khaki Drill also commenced.
NZWRAC Uniform – The issue of new summer dress consisting of a green short-sleeved frock commenced. Production of a new pattern green went into production.
Disposals
Vehicles
One hundred ninety-five vehicles from 5-ton trucks to motorcycles were declared surplus to the Government Stores Board.
Ammunition
By the end of December 1958, the Makomako, Waiouru and Belmont Ammunition areas had concluded the destruction of 317,440 items of ammunition ranging from detonators to 9.2in Cartridges; this included the detonation of 108 tons of Explosives with an additional 1217 tons of ammunition dumped at sea. Makomako was cleared of dangerous ammunition.
Move of Central Districts Vehicle Depot to Linton
As part of the Central Districts Vehicle Depot (CDVD) move to Linton during 1958, consideration was given to retaining some of the functions of the CDVD within the Main Ordnance Deport. To this end, the MOD Vehicle group was established. The MOD Vehicle group took over the existing CDVD compound at Trentham and had the following responsibilities:[5]
Receipt, processing, and issue of all new vehicles.
Custody of vehicles that were considered as part of the Army Reserve Stocks.
Custody and disposal of vehicles held by CDVD Trentham that were considered surplus or had or been declared for disposal.
This ensured that when the CDVD completed its move to Linton, only the vehicles and equipment needed to operate were transferred to Linton.
Army truck (CDVD Pool Vehicle) crossing the river at Otaki Forks 10 February 1959. Ref: EP/1959/0444-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23262911
Linton Camp Ordnance Depot Issues
Since its establishment in 1946, the Central Districts Ordnance Depots had occupied accommodation buildings in the North West corner of Linton Camp in what had initially been the wartime RNZAF Base Linton. Two additional warehouses had been assembled in 1949; however, storage space remained at a premium. Some example of the issues faced by the Ordnance Depot was; [6]
Block 1 Clothing Store – unable to be heated and uncomfortable for staff due to the risk of fire caused by the large quantity of clothing packaged with Naphthalene. This created a potential fire risk due to the Salamander heaters used for heating buildings.
S&T Block Tent Store – a multi-purpose building, used as a tent Store, repair shop and Traffic Centre. This building required repairs and was in such a state that it could not be secured against illegal entry. As the MOW estimated repairs to this building to cost at least £2000 (2020 NZ$49,882.32), the authority to repair would require approval from the DCRE. However, the DCRE had advised that this building was not worth repairing, with no alternative accommodation the Ordnance Depot was in a difficult position.
It was advised in December 1958 that because of the preliminary site investigation for a new Ordnance Depot conducted the previous year, a new building covering 125,000 sq. ft be constructed for the Ordnance Depot over the next three years.
Pending decision on the new Ordnance Depot building, the decision was made that the number of prefabricated buildings then been erected for the CDVD be increased from three to Four with the additional structure allocated to the Ordnance Depot as storage accommodation.
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Linton Camp 1958
Ration Packs
During the 1959 annual camp, the Royal New Zealand Army Service Corps (RNZASC) conducted trials of a specially designed four-person, 24-hour rations pack to streamline the Armoured units’ food supply. The pack was assembled using readily available commercial items, and feedback from both the 1 and 4 Armoured Regiments was positive.
Drawing on the experiences of the NZ SAS and NZ Regiments in Malaya, where soldiers had to carry and prepare their own rations during jungle operations, the RNZASC recognized the need for a lightweight 24-hour ration pack. To meet this emerging requirement, they were in the process of developing such a pack.[7]
Cricket Tour
In February 1959, the RNZAOC hosted a cricket tour to New Zealand by the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps (RAAOC). Major Derrick Roderick, a leading player for the RNZAOC tour to Australia in 1955, would act as the RNZAOC Liaison Officer for the RAAOC tour.[8]
Over a period of three weeks, the RAAOC Cricket team would tour New Zealand, playing matches at;
Devonport Oval vs Ordnance Northern Military District, NZ Lost by 20 Runs
Linton Camp vs Ordnance Central Military District, Draw
Trentham camp vs RNZAOC XI, NZ lost by 11 Runs
Burnham Camp vs Ordnance Southern Military District, NZ Lost
Trentham Camp vs Main Ordnance Depot, NZ lost
The tour was finalised on 19 February with a farewell Ball at the Trentham Camp Badminton Hall. The New Zealand Director of Ordnance Services, Lt-Col H. McK. Reid made presentations to all Australian tour members on behalf of the RNZAOC. The Australian team manager, Colonel C. V. Anderson, OBE, on behalf of the RAAOC team, thanked the RNZAOC for the hospitality and entertainment provided throughout the tour, presenting magnificent silver salvers to the Trentham Officers and Sergeants messes. The visitors were farewelled the following day, returning to Australia on the MS Wanganella.[9]
Honours and Awards
Long Service and Good Conduct
31259 Warrant Officer Class One Maurice Sidney Phillips, 26 March 1959
Secondment to British Army
On 27 March 1958 Major Francis Anness Bishop RNZAOC began a secondment with the British Army. Attached to the 17th Gurkha Division/Overseas Commonwealth Land Forces (Malaya), Major Bishop would be the Divisions Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General (DAQMG).[10]
Staff College, Camberley
Captain C.L Sanderson, RNZAOD represented the New Zealand Army on the 1959 Staff College Course at Camberley in the United Kingdom.[11]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Officers of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
Lieutenant and Quartermaster A.F James to be Captain and Quartermaster, 1 April 1958.[12]
Captain Ellis Charles Green MBE., is posted to the Retired List in the rank of Major, 12 May 1958.[14]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster J.E Hutchinson to be Captain and Quartermaster, 1 April 1958.[15]
Major 0.H Burn to be Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel, 26 July 1958.[16]
Captain G.J.H Atkinson, MBE., to be Temporary Major, 21 July 1958.[17]
Captain and Quartermaster S.H.E Bryant is transferred to the Supernumerary List on reaching retiring age for rank, 27 October 1958.[18]
Major Patrick William Rennison is transferred to the Reserve of Officers, General List, RNZAOC, with the rank of Major, 21 October 1958.[19]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster A. Fraser to be Temporary Captain and Quartermaster, 16 September 1958. [20]
Major (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) H McK Reid to be Lieutenant-Colonel, 30 October 1958.[21]
Lieutenant J.B Glasson to be Temporary Captain, 16 September 1958.[22]
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) J.B Glasson to be Captain Dated 9 December 1958. [23]
Captain C.C Pipson is transferred to the Supernumerary List on reaching retiring age for rank and is re-engaged for a period of one year, 22 February 1959.[24]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster R.J Crossman to be Captain and Quartermaster, l 5 March 1959.[25]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster G.W Dudman to be Captain and Quartermaster, 15 March 1959.[26]
Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) and Quartermaster A Fraser to be Captain and Quartermaster, I 5 March 1959.[27]
Captain (Temporary Major) G.J.H. Atkinson, MBE., to be Major, 6 March 1959.[28]
Regular Force (Supernumerary List)
Captain and· Quartermaster G.A Perry, E.D., re-engaged for a period of one year, as from 1 April 1958.[29]
Captain and Quartermaster S.H.E Bryant re-engaged for a period of one year, 27 October 1958. [30]
Captain and Quartermaster Alfred Golian posted to the Retired List, 17 January l 959.[31]
RESERVE OF OFFICERS
Lieutenant J.H Mead relinquishes his commission, 1 July 1958.[32]
Major William Patrick Chester-Dixon, from the British Regular Army Reserve of Officers, to be Lieutenant-Colonel, 16 May 1958.[33]
Captain F.H Pike relinquishes his commission, 5 November 1958.[34]
The under-mentioned were posted from the General List to the Retired List:
Alan Ernest Osborne to be 2nd Lieutenant and is posted to the Technical Stores Platoon, 1st Divisional Ordnance Field Park, RNZAOC, 1 August 1958.[47]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, and men of the RNZAOC
A30054 Sergeant Bryan Nelson Jennings promoted to Staff Sergeant, 13 October 1958.[48]
31383 Staff Sergeant Hector Searle McLachlan promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two, 1 April 1958.[49]
31259 Warrant Officer Class Two Maurice Sidney Phillips promoted to Warrant Officer Class One, 14 October 1958.[50]
31246 Warrant Officer Class Two Douglas Keep Wilson promoted to Warrant Officer Class One, 13 October 1958.[51]
Notes
[1] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1958 to 31 March 1959,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1959).
[2] Peter Cooke, Fit to Fight. Compulsory Military Training and National Service in New Zealand 1949-72 (Auckland: David Ling Publishing, 2013), 539.
[3]Conferences – Ordnance Officers, Item Id R17188101 (Wellington: Archives New Zealand, 1950).
[4] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1958 to 31 March 1959.”
[5] “Organisation – Policy and General – Rnzaoc “, Archives New Zealand No R17311537 (1946 – 1984).
[6]Buildings, Linton Camp, Central Ordnance Depot, Item Id R9428308 (Wellington: New Zealand Archives, 1955 – 1968 ).
[7] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1958 to 31 March 1959.”
[8] Major J.S Bolton, A History of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (Trentham: RNZAOC, 1992), 177-78.
[9] “Australian Ordnance Farwelled,” Upper Hutt Leader, Volume XVI, Number 7 26 February 1959 1959.
[10] “Recommendations for Honours or Awards,” The National Archives (UK) Ref WO 373/135/420 1960.
[11] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1958 to 31 March 1959.”
[12] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 28, 8 April 1958.
[13] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 34, 5 june 1958.
[15] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 36, 12 june 1958.
[16] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 52, 21 August 1958.;”Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 56, 11 September 1958.
[17] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army.”
[18] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 58, 25 September 1958.
[19] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 68, 6 November 1958.
[45] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army.”
[46] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 71, 20 November 1958.
[47] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 7, 12 February 1959.
[48] Howard E. Chamberlain, Service Lives Remembered : The Meritorious Service Medal in New Zealand and Its Recipients, 1895-1994 ([Wellington, N.Z.]: H. Chamberlain, 1995), 242.
This period would see the RNZAOC continue to support Regular, Territorial and Compulsory Military Training. This period would also see the formation and deployment to the 1st Battalion, the New Zealand Regiment to Malaya
Key Appointments
Director of Ordnance Services
Temporary Lieutenant Colonel H. McK. Reid from 1 April 1957.[1]
Commanding Officer Main Ordnance Depot
Major O.H Burn
Inspecting Ordnance Officer, Northern Military District
Captain J.H Doone, from 19 July 1957.
Inspecting Ordnance Officer, Southern Military District
Captain E.D Gerrard, from 19 July 1957.
Compulsory Military Training
During this period three CMT intakes marched in with the RNZAOC recruits posted to 1 (NZ) Division Ordnance Field Park on completion of initial training;[2]
24th intake of 1775av recruits on 2 May 1957
25th intake of 1300av recruits on 22 August 1957
26th intake of 1300av recruits on 3 January 1958
1st Battalion, the New Zealand Regiment
Reformed at Waiouru in July 1957, the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Regiment would undertake workup and training that would see the Battalion deploy on operations in Malaya on 28 November 1957.[3]
The RNZAOC would equip the Battalion from the ground up with its necessary entitlement of equipment provided from existing holdings, including Eighty-Nine vehicles and trailers. However £59000 (2020 NZD $ $2,999,351.94) was expended to procure additional theatre specific items not held in the New Zealand inventory from the United Kingdom authorities in Malaya.[4]
In addition to providing the stores and equipment for the Battalion, RNZAOC Officer Major Jack Harvey was seconded to the 1st Battalion NZ Regiment for the duration of its Malaya tour as the Officer Commanding of C Company. [5]
Major Jack Harvey, RNZAOC Officer Commanding C Company, 1st Battalion, New Zealand Regiment, 1957-59
Members of the 1st Battalion who would later serve with the RNZAOC included;
Brian Crafts
David Orr
Fiji Military Forces
Warrant Officer Class One Murray Alexander Burt was posted on 15 July 1957, on an accompanied posting with his family to the New Zealand Cadre at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva. WO1 Burt and Family would depart Auckland on the Union Steam Ship Company vessel the MV Tofus on 31 August 1957. WO1 Burt would return to New Zealand on 15 December 1959 and be posted to Hopuhopu camp.[6]
Uniforms
A new Service Dress uniform similar to the Officer pattern Service Dress was approved for Other Ranks by the Army Board in 1954 had is design finalised and placed into production during this period. This uniform’s approval satisfied a long-standing requirement for a ceremonial and walking out order of dress to replace the existing Battle Dress.[7]
Manufacture of the new uniforms was well advanced by closing this period with the District Ordnance Depots in a position to issue the new uniforms by the end of 1958.
With this new Service Dress uniform, Battle Dress would become winter working dress with Khaki Drill the summer working dress.
Other Ranks Service Dress
Ammunition
The demolition of the 17000 rounds of unsafe 3.7inch Anti Aircraft Ammunition that had been initiated in June 1955 was concluded in December 1957. The destruction had proceeded without incident with the local residences thanked for their considerable forbearance in putting up with the noise of explosions nearly every day.
During this period, demolitions were also successfully conducted at the Makomako Ammunition area to dispose of a large quantity obsolete and unsafe ammunition and explosives.[8]
Move of Central Districts Vehicle Depot to Linton
The move of the Central Districts Vehicle Depot (CDVD) was planned to occur during 1958. Before the move could happen, adequate storage had to be constructed at Linton Camp, and this was to be achieved by re-locating war surplus buildings from other locations. By June 1957 the second “W” Type prefabricated building for the CDVD was re-located from Fort Dorset to Linton Camp.[9]
Construction Of New Ordnance Depot for Linton Camp
Since its establishment in 1946, the Central Districts Ordnance Depots had occupied accommodation buildings in the North West corner of Linton Camp in what had initially been the wartime RNZAF Base Linton. Two additional warehouses had been assembled in 1949; however, storage space remained at a premium. In June 1957 Army HQ authorised the expenditure of £100 (2020 NZ$5,059.84) to conduct a preliminary site investigation for a new Ordnance Depot for Linton Camp. Given the deficiencies of adequate Storage accommodation and the erection of buildings for the CDVD, the Linton Camp Command issued instructions that the CDOD were not to utilise the new buildings, even temporarily as this would become permanent and prejudice the business case for constructing a new Ordnance Depot.[10]
Honours and Awards
Meritorious Service Medal
Warrant Officer Class One Bernard Percy Banks, 13 June 1957. [11]
Warrant Officer Class One Athol Gilroy McCurdy, 10 October 1957. [12]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Officers of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
Regular Force Major H. McK. Reid to be temp. Lieutenant-Colonel, and is appointed Director of Ordnance Services, dated 1 April 1957.[13]
Captain E.C Green, MBE, is re-engaged for one year, as from 1 April 1957.[14]
Lieutenant-Colonel F. Reid, OBE, relinquished Director of Ordnance Services’ appointment, pending retirement, 31 March 1957.[15]
Captain P.N Erridge, MBE., transferred to the Reserve of Officers, General List, The Royal N.Z. Army Ordnance Corps, in the rank of Major, 2 May 1957.[16]
Captain and Quartermaster R.P Kennedy, E.D, re-engaged in the Regular Force for one year from 13 April 1957.[26]
Captain and Quartermaster E.R. Hancock posted to the Retired List, 30 March 1957.[27]
Major and Quartermaster I.S. Miller, E.D., is posted to the Retired List, 20 April 1957.[28]
Captain and Quartermaster G.A Perry, E.D., re-engaged for one year from 1 April 1957.[29]
Captain and Quartermaster A.A Barwick posted to the Retired List, 3 August 1957.[30]
Captain and Quartermaster A Gollan granted an extension of his engagement for one year, as from 19 December 1957.[31]
Reserve of Officers
Lieutenant-Colonel Maurice Salam Myers. posted to the Retired List, 1 January 1958.[32]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and men of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
31266 Warrant Officer Class One, Cyril Austin Baigent to be Lieutenant and Quartermaster, 15 July 1957.[33]
33297 Warrant Officer Class Two, Henry Williamson to be Lieutenant and Quartermaster, 15 July 1957.[34]
33635 Warrant Officer Class Two, William Edwin Smith to be Lieutenant and Quartermaster, 15 July 1957.[35]
31261 Staff Sergeant Ernest Maurice Alexander Bull, Promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two, 30 October 1957.[36]
31257 Warrant Officer Class Two Murray Alexander Burt, Promoted to Warrant Officer Class One, 15 July 1957.[37]
B31695 Sergeant Ian McDonald Russell promoted to Staff Sergeant, 23 April 1957.[38]
Notes
[1] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette, No 35, 2 May 1957.
[2] Peter Cooke, Fit to Fight. Compulsory Military Training and National Service in New Zealand 1949-72 (Auckland: David Ling Publishing, 2013), 539.
[3] Brian Clamp and Doreen Clamp, 1st Battalion the New Zealand Regiment (1957-59) Association 50th Anniversary. The First of the First (B. Clamp, 2007), Non-fiction.
[4] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1957 to 31 March 1958,” Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1958).
[5] Clamp and Clamp, 1st Battalion the New Zealand Regiment (1957-59) Association 50th Anniversary. The First of the First.
[6] Howard E. Chamberlain, Service Lives Remembered : The Meritorious Service Medal in New Zealand and Its Recipients, 1895-1994 ([Wellington, N.Z.]: H. Chamberlain, 1995), 69-70.
[7] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1957 to 31 March 1958.”
This period would see the RNZAOC. Continue to support Regular, Territorial and Compulsory Military Training. This period would see the winding down and cessation of direct RNZAOC support to Kay Force.[1]
Key Appointments
Director of Ordnance Services
Lieutenant Colonel F Reid, OBE, relinquished the appointment on 31 march 1957.
Commanding Officer Main Ordnance Depot
Major O.H Burn.
Compulsory Military Training
During this period four CMT intakes marched in with the RNZAOC recruits posted to 1 (NZ) Division Ordnance Field Park on completion of initial training;[2]
20th intake of 2475av recruits on 5 April 1956
21st intake of 2475av recruits on 28 June 1956
22nd intake of 1775av recruits on 20 September 1956
23rd intake of 1775av recruits on 3 January 1957
4th New Zealand Division ordnance Field park on parade Trentham, Camp 17 October 1956.
WO In charge Gavin Lake
Right-hand rank from the from Peter Barret, Bill Smith, mauri Philips, Jim Bremner, Brian Jennings, Peter Rennie, Murray Burt, Dave Laidlaw, Jim Brown.
Middle-Rank Leading is Kevin Anderson.
Left-Rank Leading; Bert Roil followed by Tex Rickard.
Robert Mckie RNZAOC Collection
Emergency Force (Kayforce)
The RNZAOC concluded its commitment to Kayforce with the final Ordnance men’s return in the latter half of 1956.
Out of Kayforce
204459 Temporary Sergeant Gordon Winstone East, 31 August 1956
204702 Temporary Sergeant Ernest Radnell, 31 August 1956
30419 Captain John Barrie Glasson, 3-Sep-56
206870 Staff Sergeant James Russell Don, 29 December 1956
Depot Commanders to visit MOPD for local discussions,
Corps Matters,
District Problems.
DOS Conference March 1957
The Director of Ordnance Services hosted a conference of the Officer Commanding of the District Ammunition and Ordnance Depots and the District DADOS at Trentham Camp over 26 to 28 March 1957.
Ammunition Examiners Course
From April to September 1956, Warrant Officer Class Two David Gwynne Thomas attended and passed with excellent results the Ammunition Examiners Course at the RAAOC Corps School at Broadmeadows in Victoria, Australia.[4]
Metal from Condemned Ammunition
Valuable metal was to be recovered from condemned non-high explosive ammunition drawn from Army ordnance depots in the North and South Islands over the next two or three years. The Colonial Ammunition Company was awarded a contract with the Government for the breaking down of the ammunition, which was to be done in New Plymouth. Work will start in the next three months, and the brass and copper extracted will be sent to a large brass extrusion mill to be prepared for further use in industry. Any steel that is recovered and not wanted in New Zealand will be sent overseas.
Corps History
During 1956 the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in the United Kingdom established the RAOC Museum at the RAOC Training centre at Blackdown. The museum’s concept was to establish a Commonwealth Section to illustrate the links between the various commonwealth Ordnance Corps and the RAOC. In August 1956 the Director of Ordnance (UK) put out a call to the DOS’s or Australia, Canada, Ceylon, India, Pakistan and New Zealand to contribute material for the planned exhibit.
New Zealand replied on 24 January 1957 that as the RNZAOC had only been in existence for a short period, items of historical interest were not available and the RNZAOC would be unable to contribute to this project.[5]
Honours and Awards
Long Service and Good Conduct
31234 Warrant Officer Class One Athol Gilroy McCurdy, 12 April 1956.[6]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Officers of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
Captain F.A Bishop to be temp. Major. Dated 16 April 1956.[7]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster FG Cross is transferred to the Reserve of Officers, General List, The RNZAOC, with Lieutenant and Quartermaster’s rank. Dated 27 April 1956.[8]
Captain W.G Dixon is transferred From the Royal New Zealand Artillery to the RNZAOC· in his present rank and seniority. Dated 14 May 1956.[9]
Captain W.G Dixon, M.B.E., to be Major. Dated 15 May 1956.[11]
The under-mentioned are appointed to regular commissions in the rank of Lieutenant and Quartermaster (on probation):[12]
31002 Warrant Officer Class One, Louis Eric Autridge, from The Royal NZ Artillery.
36643 Staff Sergeant Oliver Cedric Prouse, from the New Zealand Regiment.
33842 Staff Sergeant David Halsel Rollo, M.B.E., from The Royal NZ Artillery.
31028 Warrant Officer Class Two, William Neil Stephenson, from The Royal NZ Artillery.
Captain D Sharpe is posted to the retired list with the Rank of Major. Dated 25 July 1956.[13][14]
Captain R.T Marriott to be Major. Dated 29 August 1956.[15]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster Frederick George Cross, Reserve of Officers, General List, RNZAOC is appointed to a short-service Regular commission for a term of three years, in the rank of Lieutenant, with seniority from 13 August 1951. Dated 13 August 1956.[16]
The appointment of Lieutenant and Quartermaster (on probation) W. N. Stephenson lapsed Dated 21 September 1956.[17]
Captain N.L Wallburton is transferred to the Reserve of Officers, General List, RNZAOC, in the rank of Captain. Dated 7 September 1956.[18]
Captain E.F.L Russell is re-engaged for a period of five years as from 26 November 1956.[19]
Lieutenant L.C King is re-engaged in the NZ Regular Force for the period 16 November 1956 to 3 October 1958 and promoted to Captain from 16 November 1956.[20]
Major K.G Scott, from the Reserve of Officers, Supplementary List, to be Major. Dated 1 November 1956.[21]
Temp. Captain D.R. Alexander, from the Reserve of Officers, Supplementary List, to be Captain. Dated 1 November 1956.
Captain Donald MacKenzie Robson, M.B.E., from the Regular Army Reserve of Officers, Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps, to be Captain. Dated 7 December 1956.[22]
Temp. Lieutenant A.A Burrows, from the Reserve of Officers, Supplementary List, to be Lieutenant. Dated 1 November 1956.[23]
Temp. Lieutenant M.J Goodson, from the Reserve of Officers, Supplementary List, to be Lieutenant. Dated 1 November 1956.[24]
Regular Force (Supernumerary List)
Captain and Quartermaster R.P Kennedy, E.D, is granted a further extension of his engagement for one year from 13 April 1956.[25]
Captain and Quartermaster G.A Perry, E.D., is given an extension of his engagement for a further period of one year from 1 April 1956.[26]
Territorial Force
Captain A.W Wilkin, RNZAOC, relinquished the appointment of Brigade Ordnance Officer, Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Brigade and was posted to the Retired List on 4 November 1954.[27]
Graduates, Royal Military College, Duntroon
Lieutenant Malcolm John Ross, 12 December 1956.[28]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and men of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
Corporal J.T Skeddan from SMD was selected to attend the year long course at Portsea Officer Training establishment in Australia starting in January 1957.
31257 Temporary Warrant Officer Class Two Murray Alexander Burt promoted to substantive Warrant Officer Class Two, 10 October 1956.[29]
W920917 Corporal George Thomas Dimmock promoted to Sergeant, 1 June 1956.[30]
31004 Warrant Officer Class One William Galloway, retired 1 January 1957[31]
1185 Staff Sergeant Albert Edward “Abbie” Shadbolt retired on 25 October 1956. SSgt Shadbolt retired at the age of 69 after 49 years and ten months of service to the military in uniformed and civilian roles.
Enlisted into RNZA 26 November 1907.
Transferred to NZAOC in 1922
Transferred to civilian Staff 1931, remaining employed at the Main Ordnance Depot as a Clerk.
8 January 1942 commissioned as a Lieutenant into the NZ Temporary Staff as Ordnance Officer Main Ordnance Depot, Placed on to the retired list on 21 October 1948
Re-engaged as a Warrant Officer Class Two in 1948, Shadbolt would latter attain Warrant Officer Class One rank as the 2 I/C of the Central Districts Vehicle Depot at Trentham.
Due to his age was reverted to the Rank of Staff Sergeant on 1 April 1956 and placed on less onerous duties for his last year of service, retiring 0n 10 October 1956.
Besides his military responsibilities, Shadbolt was an outstanding Rugby Union and Rugby league player with the following credentials.
He represented Canterbury XV in 1909 and 1910
Switched to Rugby League in 1912 and would play for the St Albans and Federal Clubs
Played for the Canterbury Rugby League side from 1912 to 1920
Represented New Zealand in the Rugby League tours to Australia in 1913 and 1921
NZ Rugby League Team, 1913 Australia Tour. Abbie Shadbolt is third from right in the third row. Photo Credit: Canterbury Rugby League
Notes
[1] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1954 to 31 March 1955 “, Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1955).
[2] Peter Cooke, Fit to Fight. Compulsory Military Training and National Service in New Zealand 1949-72 (Auckland: David Ling Publishing, 2013), 539.
[3]Conferences – Ordnance Officers, Item Id R17188101 (Wellington: Archives New Zealand, 1950).
[4] Howard E. Chamberlain, Service Lives Remembered : The Meritorious Service Medal in New Zealand and Its Recipients, 1895-1994 ([Wellington, NZ.]: H. Chamberlain, 1995), 466.
[5] “Organisation – Policy and General – Rnzaoc “, Archives New Zealand No R17311537 (1946 – 1984).
[6] Chamberlain, Service Lives Remembered : The Meritorious Service Medal in New Zealand and Its Recipients, 1895-1994.
[7] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 29, 17 May 1956.
This period would see the RNZAOC. Continue to support Regular, Territorial and Compulsory Military Training. Ongoing support to Kayforce would continue.[1]
Key Appointments
Director of Ordnance Services
Lieutenant Colonel F Reid, OB
Chief Inspecting Ordnance Officer
Major I.S Miller
Southern Military District DADOS
Major H McK Reid
Southern Military District IOO
Captain J.H Doone
Southern District Ordnance Depot
Captain and Quartermaster A.A Barwick
Compulsory Military Training
During this period three CMT intakes marched in;[2]
13th intake of 2200av recruits on 22 April 1954
14th intake of 2200av recruits on 16 September 1954
15th intake of 2200av recruits on 6 January 1955
16th intake of 2966 recruits on 31 March 1955
On completion of CMT recruit training, recruits were posted to Territorial units close to their home location to complete their CMT commitment, with RNZAOC CMT recruits posted to either
1st Infantry Brigade Ordnance Field Park Platoon, Hopuhopu
2nd Infantry Brigade Ordnance Field Park Platoon, Mangaroa.
3rd Infantry Brigade Ordnance Field Park Platoon, Burnham
Emergency Force (Kayforce)
The RNZAOC continued to support Kayforce with the dispatch of regular consignments of Maintenance stores and with all requests for stores by Kayforce met.
Out of Kayforce
Lance Corporal Alexander George Dobbins, 28 September 1954
Private James Adam (Snowy) Donaldson, 5 November 1954
Captain Patrick William Rennison, 10 May 1954
Private Richard John Smart, 5 November 1954
Into Kay force
Joseph James Enright Cates, 2 June 1954
Lieutenant John Barrie Glasson, 20 April 1954
As part of his tour of K Force units, Brigadier Weir, Quartermaster General of the NZ Army met and spoke to the men of the NZ Base Ordnance Section of the British Commonwealth Base Ordnance Depot at Kure, Japan.[3]
Seconded to Fiji Military Forces
Lieutenant and Quartermaster R. D. Wederell ceased to be seconded to the Fiji Military Forces as of 14 June 1954.[4]
The Director of Ordnance Services hosted a conference of the District DADOS’s and the Officer Commanding Main Ordnance Depot (MOD) at Trentham Camp over the period 10 – 12 August 1954.[6]
Items discussed at the conference included;
Corps Policy
Corps Establishments
Estimation of expenditure
District Vehicle Depots
Functions
Staff/Establishments
Audit Reports
Ammunition
New Cap Badge
1954 would see approval granted to update the RNZOAC Cap Badge by replacing the “Tudor” Crown with the “St Edwards Crown. The NZ Army Liaison Staff in London had provided a sample of the new badges from J.R Gaunt of London, and on the approval of this sample in May 1954 the liaison Staff was instructed to obtain examples of Collar badges in the new design.
1947-54 RNZAOC Badge. Robert McKie Collection1955-96 RNZAOC Badge. Robert McKie Collection
Routine Ordnance Activities
Over this period, the RNZAOC continued with its regular duties of provision, holding and issue of multitudinous stores required by the Army including the additional issue of training equipment to the territorial Force allowing all unit’s sufficient equipment for routine training.
Establishment of MT Stores Group at the Central Districts Ordnance Depot
Based on a series of ongoing discussions between the DOS and CDOD since 1951, in July 1953, the recommendation was made to transfer responsibility for the provision of MT Stores to CMD units (except those located at Trentham Camp) from the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham to the CDOD at Linton Camp. Approval for establishing an MT Group at CDOD was granted in September 1953 with the transfer of stocks to begin once suitable storage in Linton Camp had been prepared to receive stocks.
To facilitate the initial in-scaling of MT Group, 1500 Square feet of the W type Building 81 was fitted with six wooden shelves to provides storage capacity for up to 18000 lines of Stock-based on VAOS Catalogue LV6 Groups 1 to 10. LV6 Groups 1 to 10 items were small and fast-moving repair parts for Motor Transport’s current range. It was planned that once the MT Group had been established for several months’ responsibility for LV7, Larger repair parts and principle end items would also be transferred from MOD to the CDOD.
A Staff of five soldiers for the CDOD MT Group was already authorised in the CDOD Peacetime Establishment issued in 1952. However, at the time of the MT Groups establishment, The Staff of the Group consisted of one NCO assisted by the Tyre Group Storeman.
By 15 September 1954 the transfer of stock form the MOD has been sufficiently completed to allow CMD units to begin demanding MT Spares from the CDOD.[7]
Army Ammunition Stores Depot
Up to 1954, the RNZAOC maintained the Army Ammunition Stores Depot (AASD) at the Kuku Valley Ammunition Area at Trentham. The role of the AASD was to be the main bulk holding and distribution unit for Non-Explosive and Explosive stores for the regional Ammunition Repair Depots (ARD).
A review of the role and functions of AASD was conducted during a DADOS conference in 1954 with the decision made to disband the AASD and hand over its operations to the MOD and regional Ordnance and Ammunition Depots.
As part of the disbanding instructions, the regional ARDs were instructed to maintain six months working stock of non-explosive items, and sufficient explosive items to complete the current repair programme. All excess items were to be returned to the nearest Ordnance or Ammunition Depot, with all future demand for items to be forwarded to those Depots.[8]
Small Arms Ammunition
The Manufacture of Small-Arms Ammunition by the Colonial Ammunitions Company at their Mount Eden Factory continued with delivered of first-class ammunitions being well maintained. [9]
Ammunition Examiners
During this period the following Ammunition Examiners were authorised to carry out routine inspections of ammunition and allocated Ammunition Examiner Serial Numbers.
Northern Military District,
Corporal Radford, Ammunition Examiner Serial No 72, 29 July 1954.
Lance Corporal T Sweet, Ammunition Examiner Serial No 83, 13 August 1954.
Private Thomasson, Ammunition Examiner Serial No 82, 13 August 1954.
Introduction of New Equipment
As new equipment was introduced, the RNZAOC would play an essential role in the acceptance processes. Upon delivery from the supplier, the equipment, accessories, and spares would be received into an RNZAOC Depot. The equipment would be inspected and kitted out with all its accessories before distribution to units. Several examples may have been retained in RNZAOC Depots as War Reserve/Repair and Maintenance Stock depending on the equipment. Maintenance stocks of accessories and spares were maintained as operating stock in RNZAOC depots. If the new equipment contained a weapon system, ammunition specific to the equipment was managed by RNZAOC Ammunition Depots.
During this period, the following equipment was introduced into service;[10]
One L2 BAT (Battalion, Anti-Tank) was a 120 mm calibre recoilless anti-tank rifle, with Eighteen more on order
Twenty-Two FN FAL Rifles for troop trials
An extra-wide Bailey Bridge
Fifty Field Wireless sets
The following items were disposed of through the Government Stores Board.
193 Bren Carriers
25 Motor vehicles of various types
Battledress Cap
During 1954 the Cap Battledress (Cap BD) but commonly referred to as the Ski Cap was introduced into service. This type of hat was extremely unpopular, especially with the troops, especially those serving in the tropics, but would endure until 1964 when it was withdrawn from service.
NZ Army Cap Battledress (Cap BD), introduced 1954, withdrawn from service 1964. Robert Mckie Collection
Vehicle Shelters for Burnham
The Royal New Zealand Engineers commenced the erection at Burnham Military Camp of two steel prefabricated vehicle shelters in May 1954. Three such shelters were erected at the Southern District Vehicle Depot at Burnham, another three in the transport park at Burnham, and two others in two other areas. Each of the shelters was 200 feet long by 50 feet wide, and helped to overcome the serious shortage of shelters for Army vehicles at the camp. With concrete foundations and floors, the framework of the buildings consisted of steel pipes of various lengths bolted together. The exterior and roof of the shelters were of corrugated asbestos-type material.[11]
Cricket Tour to Australia
In the first tour of its kind the Main Ordnance Depot in Trentham, representing the RNZAOC undertook a Cricket tour of Australia. Departing Wellington on 1 February 1955 returning on 7 March the MOD played matched in Sydney and Melbourne against teams drawn from the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps.[12]
With the NZ Ordnance team winning the series successfully, reciprocal tours took place in
The officials and players who participated in the 1955 tour were;[14]
Lieutenant Colonel L.F Reid, 0BE (Manager),
Major Derrick Roderick,
Warrant Officer Class One A Wesseldine,
Warrant Officer Class Two M.A Burt (Treasure and Player),
Warrant Officer Class Two Harry Le Comte,
Warrant Officer Class Two RS Perks (Assistant Manager and Player),
Warrant Officer Class Two Douglas Wilson,
Sergeant Douglas Bucknell (Official. Umpire and Player),
Sergeant G. McCullough,
Sergeant E.J Prout,
Corporal G Cormack,
Corporal J Morgan, (Official Scorer and Player),
Private W Bacon,
Private Brian Clarke,
Private Keith Danby,
Private A.N McAinch,
Private L Norton.
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Officers of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
Lieutenant C. L. Sanderson promoted to Temporary Captain. Dated 9 December 1953. [15]
Captain E. C. Green granted a further extension of his short-service commission for one year from 1 April 1954.[16]
Lieutenant T. B. Glasson promoted to Temporary Captain whilst employed as Officer Commanding, NZ Base Ordnance Depot. Dated 8 August 1954.[17]
Captain N. L. Wallburton re-engaged for a period of two years as from 23 August 1954.[18]
Lieutenant (temp Captain) J. B. Glasson to be Captain. Dated 8 November 1954.[19]
Lieutenant (Temp Captain) C. L. Sanderson to be Captain. Dated 9 December 1953.[20]
31264 Warrant Officer Class One Leslie Smith promoted to Lieutenant and Quartermaster. Dated 15 December 1954.[21]
Lieutenant L. C. King transferred from the New Zealand Regiment to the RNZAOC with his present rank and seniority. Dated 14 February 1955.[22]
Captain E. C. Green granted a further extension of his short-service commission to 31 March 1956.[23]
Lieutenant J. H. Doone to be Captain Dated 25 October 1954.[24]
Lieutenant and Quartermaster R. D. Wederell to be Captain and Quartermaster. Dated 31 March 1955.[25]
Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, Resignations, and Retirements of Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and men of the RNZAOC
Regular Force
W920917 Lance Corporal George Thomas Dimmock Promoted to Corporal, 1 April 1954. [26]
31884Temporary Warrant Officer Class Two Alick Claude Doyle granted substantive Rank on 1 April 1954. [27]
B31695 Corporal Ian McDonald Russell promoted to Sergeant, 21 April 1954. [28]
31259 Staff Sergeant Maurice Sidney Philips promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two, 12 July 1954. [29]
31167 Staff Sergeant John Bernard Crawford promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two, 15 July 1954. [30]
31261 Sergeant Earnest Maurice Alexander Bull promoted to Staff Sergeant, 22 October 1954.[31]
Notes
[1] “H-19 Military Forces of New Zealand Annual Report of the General Officer Commanding, for Period 1 April 1954 to 31 March 1955 “, Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives (1955).
[2] Peter Cooke, Fit to Fight. Compulsory Military Training and National Service in New Zealand 1949-72 (Auckland: David Ling Publishing, 2013), 539.
[3] “Brigadier in Korea,” Press, Volume XC, Issue 27460, , 21 September 1954.
[4] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 41, 1 July 1954.
[5]Conferences – Ordnance Officers, Item Id R17188101 (Wellington: Archives New Zealand, 1950).
[22] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 20, 17 March 1955.
[23] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 6, 3 February 1955.
[24] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 15, 3 March 1955.
[25] “Appointments, Promotions, Transfers, and Resignations, of Officers of the New Zealand Army,” New Zealand Gazette No 37, 2 June 1955.
[26] Howard E. Chamberlain, Service Lives Remembered : The Meritorious Service Medal in New Zealand and Its Recipients, 1895-1994 ([Wellington, N.Z.]: H. Chamberlain, 1995), 128-29.
Compulsory Military Training (CMT) was the tool utilised to build and sustain the New Zealand Army Divisional structure from 1950 to 1958. Instituted under the provisions of the Military Training Act 1949 and supported by a public referendum, CMT was an ambitious scheme designed to turn individual recruits into capable soldiers. CMT obliged eighteen-year-old males to undertake fourteen weeks (later reduced to ten weeks) of Initial training followed by a three-year commitment to serve in the Territorial Army, with a six-year reserve commitment. The CMT experience began with fourteen weeks of recruit training conducted at Papakura, Waiouru, Linton and Burnham, after which recruits spent three years posted to a Territorial unit. Unlike previous peacetime compulsory military training schemes that have been a feature of New Zealand life since 1909, the 1949 system trained personnel for postings to Territorial Ordnance units.
By 1953, over 28000 young men had been called up and trained in ten CMT intakes with the scheme becoming an accepted feature of life in post-war New Zealand.[2]
As a practical way of celebrating the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the achievement of men completing their CMT recruit course, All Ranks of the Royal New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps (RNZAOC) of the Central Military District presented to the Central Districts Training Depot at Linton Camp the Coronation Trophy.
Taken into use from the 11th CMT intake which marched into Linton Camp in September 1953, the exact criteria for the presentation of the trophy have been long forgotten, and it is assumed that it was awarded to an outstanding student of each CMT intake.
A simple trophy based on a 25-Pounder Cartridge Case mounted on a wooden base, the Coronation Trophy consists of the following elements.
The Badge of the New Zealand Regiment, which provided the instructors to conduct the CMT intakes.
NZ Fernleaf collar badges which was the insignia the CMT recruits wore.
The Badge of the RNZAOC, who donated the trophy.
A plaque describing the trophy.
The names of the trophy recipients engraved directly on to the shell case.
Trophy Recipients
11th Intake, 24 September to 8 December 1953
378410 Private H Maniopoto, D Coy
12th Intake, 5 January to 19 March 1954
552311 Private R.J.W Oakden, E Coy
13th Intake, 22 April to 6 July 1954
461942 Driver C.R Beamish, F Coy
14th Intake,19 September to 30 November 1954
690997 Private M.E Barnes, F Coy
15th Intake, 6 January to 22 March 1955
912767 Sapper W.G Draper, E Coy
16th Intake, 31 March to 15 June 1955
676652 Private D.H Hart, D Coy
17th Intake 23 June 1955 to 6 September 1955
528553 Private J.H.S Courlay, E Coy
18th Intake, 15 September to 29 November 1955
424424 Private J.R Davis, D Coy
19th Intake, 5 January to 20 March 1956
623237 Private S Bartlett, E Coy
20th Intake, 5 April to 19 June 1956
593901 Private J Allison, D Coy
21st Intake, 28 June to 11 September 1956
825647 Sapper T.C Thomas, School of Military Engineering
22nd Intake, 20 September to 4 December 1956
624612 Private D.H Chase, D Coy 22 Intake
23rd Intake, 3 January to 19 March 1957
522938 Private M.D McConachie, D Coy
24th Intake, 2 May to 16 July 1957
579858 Private D.T.T Buchanan, D Coy
25th Intake, 22 August to 5 November 1957
827130 LCpl P.A Gill, Training Squadron, Royal New Zealand Engineers
26th Intake, 3 January to 19 March 1958
915184 Sapper I.R McEwen, Training Squadron, Royal New Zealand Engineers
27th Intake, 1 May to 15 July 1958
827495 Sapper B.R Smart, Training Squadron, Royal New Zealand Engineers
A changing political landscape brought an end to CMT in 1958, with the men who had completed the final intakes having a reserve commitment until 1966. No longer required, the Coronation Trophy was quietly retired and forgotten about.
Today the Coronation Trophy is now included in the extensive collection held by the Royal New Zealand Engineer Corps and on display at the RNZE Corps Memorial Centre (ECMC) Museum at Linton Camp.
This post provides a chronological record of the principal Ordnance units located in the Manawatu from 1915 to 1996.
1914
In his annual report to the Quartermaster General of the New Zealand Military Forces, Major James O’Sullivan, the Director of Equipment and Stores, made the suggestion that.
the time has now arrived for the establishment of a District Store at Palmerston North, as it is more central for distribution, and cost or railage would be considerably reduced.
Report of the Director of Equipment & Stores for the year ending 31 March 1914
Early 1915
Palmerston North Ordnance Store established
21 June 1915
Mr Frank Edwin Ford, formerly the Mobilisation Storekeeper at Nelson, was appointed district storekeeper, Wellington Military District and took charge of the Palmerston North Ordnance Store.
Palmerston North Ordnance Store. Palmerston North City Library
1 July 1917
New Zealand Army Ordnance Corps was formed. The civilian staff of the Defence Stores Department staff were attested for service in the NZAOC. The Palmerston North Ordnance Store’s official designation became “Palmerston North Detachment – NZAOC”.
December 1921
Palmerston North Detachment, NZAOC disbanded
Jan – March 1942
Central Districts Ordnance Depot established at the Palmerston North showgrounds
Palmerston North Showgrounds, Cuba Street, 1939. Palmerston North Libraries and Community Services
1 March 1941
Lieutenant William Saul Keegan, New Zealand Temporary Staff (NZTS) appointed as Ordnance Officer, Central Military District and Officer Commanding, Palmerston North Detachment, NZAOC and NZOC attached.
1 August 1942
Central Districts Ordnance Depot was renamed to No 2 Ordnance Sub Depot.
1943/44
Main Ordnance Depot Trentham establishes Bulk Sub-Depot at Linton Camp
31 December 1944
Fire at 2 Ordnance Sub Depot resulting in a stock loss of £225700 ($18,639,824.86 2017 value)
No 2 Ordnance Sub Depot. Group of soldiers – Elmar Studios, 459 Main Street, Palmerston North circa 1942 to circa 1945, No Known Restrictions
14 December 1945
No 2 Ordnance Sub Depot Closes and its functions assumed by the Main Ordnance Depot at Trentham and Bulk Sub-Depot at Linton
1 October 1946
Reestablishment of No 2 Ordnance Depot at Linton Camp absorbing the Main Ordnance Depot Bulk Sub-Depot. Captain W.S Keegan Officer Commanding. Headquartered in Linton, No 2 Ordnance Depot also maintains.
Ammo Sub Depots at Belmont, Makomako and Waiouru,
a vehicle Sub Depot at Trentham, and
Stores Sub Depot at Waiouru.
26 April 1947
Captain Quartermaster L.H Stroud was appointed as Officer Commanding, No 2 Ordnance Depot
1948
Captain P.W Rennision appointed as Officer Commanding, No 2 Ordnance Depot
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Linton Camp 1949
Reorganisation of RNZAOC Units
No 2 Ordnance Depot was renamed Central Districts Ordnance Depot (CDOD).
Central Districts Ammunition Depot (Makomako, Belmont, Waiouru) and Central Districts Vehicle Depot (Trentham) formed as standalone units.
Waiouru Ordnance Stores remain a Sub Depot of Linton until 1976.
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Linton Camp 1949. Back Row: Private R. Pickin, Lance Corporal R Riordan, Corporal Downing, Corporal Carswell. Private Shepherd, Corporal Blanchard, Corporal Wackrow, Corporal Ayers. Center Row: Corporal Kearns, Lance Corporal Parking, Private Norris, Lance Corporal Thorn, Corporal Fry, Unidentified, Private Simpson, Lance Corporal Alger, Sergeant Whaler, Sergeant Colwill. Front Row: Sergeant Rogers, Sergeant Riordan, Lieutenant O’Connor, Captian Rennison, Warrant Officer Class Two Colwill, Sergeant Wells, Sergeant Kempthorne. Photo: E Ray
1949-50
Buildings CB26 and CB27 Constructed
1950
Captain W Ancell appointed as Officer Commanding, Central Districts Ordnance Depot
1954
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, 3 September 1954
1957
Major J Harvey appointed as Officer Commanding CDOD
Major J. Harvey . Fairfax Media New Zealand
The Central Districts Vehicle Deport (CDVD) relocated from Trentham to Linton. Buildings CB14, 15, 16 and 17 relocated from Wellington to house the CDVD.
1958
Central Districts Ordnance Depot, Linton Camp 1958
Central Districts Vehicle Depot and Central Districts Ordnance Depot, 1961 Buildings CB14, 15, 16 and 17 are the large white buildings in the lower right of the photo
1961
Reorganisation of RNZAOC Units
CDVD and CDAD cease to be standalone units and become sub-units of the CDOD
New Headquarters building constructed for CDOD (Building CB18)
Headquarters 2 Supply Company C1980. Robert McKie Collection
1962
RNZAOC Stores Sections carrying specialised spares, assemblies and workshop materials to suit the requirement of its parent RNZEME workshops were approved, and RNZEME Technical Stores personnel employed in these were transferred to the RNZAOC.
1963
Major John Barrie Glasson appointed as Officer Commanding CDOD
Construction of New Clothing Store completed (CB4)
2 Central Ordnance Depot
Back Row (Left to Right: Dave Orr, Brian Quinn, Bill Hewett, Doug Wright, ?, Albie Hough, ? , Peter Cox, Bill Mania.
3rd Row (Left to Right) Tom Woon, John McCormick, ? , Len Pratt, Tom Moore, Doug Waugh, Dave Morris, Dave Wooler
2nd Row (Left to Right) Ian Casper, Larry Aitcheson, Bob Zaloum, Les Mulane, Robbie Staines, Garth Menhnmet, Ron Tye, Entwhistle(RNZEME), Ken Wagstaff, Staffort-Lowe.
1st Row (Left to Right) Eric Ray, McKay, ?, Gordon Rowe, Barry Stewart, Pat Riordain, Capt Edwards, Elwood, Arthur Parkin, Bill Monk, Terry ?, Dawn ?.
1968
CDOD renamed 2 Central Ordnance Depot (2 COD)
1969
Major Piers Reid appointed as Officer Commanding 2 COD
Construction of 45000sq ft (reduced to 25000sq ft) extension to Clothing store began by 2 Construction Sqn RNZE.(CB4)
2 Central Ordnance Depot, C1969 5th Row, Left to Right; Ian Casper, ? , Eric Ray, Neil Walker, ? . 4th Row , Left to Right: ? , ? , ? , Bill Hewett, ? , Tony Thain, ? , ? , ? , ? , ? . 3rd Row. Left to Right: Charlie Howlett, Selwyn Manson , Morrie Connell, ?, Keith Everley, Alf Ganderton, ? , Bob Zaloum, ? , ? , ? . 2nd Row, Left to Right: ? , ? , ? , ? , ? , ? , Keith Parker , ? , ? , Keith Danby , Dave Orr, Dave Morris, Bob Duff, ? , David Ralph Hughes, ? , ?, ? Front Row, Left to right: ?, Mike Ray, ? . ? , Ash (Bones) Lewer, Ken Wagstaff, ? , Keith Watson , Piers Reid, Ted Sweet, ? , Makita, ? , Garth Menhemitt, Gordon Rowe, Noel Blanchard, George Dimmock, ? .
7 Nov 1972
2 COD New stores building completed for $134000 and 34298 manhours. (CB4)
2COD/2 Supply warehouse
1 April 1976
Reorganised with the Waiouru Sub-depot becoming the Standalone Supply Company -4 Central Ordnance Deport (4 COD).
1978
Major K.A Watson appointed as Officer Commanding 2 COD
16 October 1978
2 COD Renamed to 2 Supply Company
1 February 1979
22 OFP formed as a Subunit Capt. M Telfer (TF Officer) as Officer Commanding
12 May 1979
RNZASC Supply responsibilities Transferred to the RNZAOC. 2 Supply Company gains 24 Supply Platoon (Rations)
31 January 1980
Major S.D Hopkins appointed as Officer Commanding 2 Supply Company
7 March 1983
Major N.A Hitchings appointed as Officer Commanding 2 Supply Company
16 April 1984
Army reorganisation – HQ Support Command opened in Palmerston North and HQ Force Maintenance Group was established at Linton. 2 Supply Company became a unit of FMG, placing Linton’s supply organisation within the Army’s new third-line and base-support framework.
HQ Support Command opened in Palmerston North and HQ Force Maintenance Group was established at Linton. 2 Supply Company became a unit of FMG, placing Linton’s supply organisation within the Army’s new third-line and base-support framework.
10 December 1984
5 Composite Supply Company established. 2 Supply Company was disbanded and replaced at Linton by 5 Composite Supply Company. Its Linton Supply Depot retained the former company’s static ordnance functions and responsibility for the Makomako Ammunition Area. 21 Supply Company became the operational sub-unit; most of it moved from Waiouru to Linton, while 47 Petroleum Platoon and the Ammunition Platoon remained at Waiouru.
27 May 1985
Major Geoff Cain appointed as Officer Commanding 5 Composite Supply Company
1985
47 Pet Pl undergoes a major re-equipment, receiving a suit of kit including Fabric Tanks, Pumps, Filters, Meters and a limited pipeline capability. Under Captain Kit Carson, the profile of the Petroleum Operator Trade is increased as RF recruiting into the trade is increased and Pet Op courses run more frequently.
5 Composite Supply Company C1986
1986
Makomako Ammunition area begins refurbishment programme to upgrade ESH’s, roading and support infrastructure.
16 November 1987
Captain G.M Gregory appointed as Officer Commanding 2 Supply Company
16 APRIL 1988
Major R.J.A Smith appointed as Officer Commanding, 5 Composite Supply Company
5 Composit Supply Company 1989
1990
5CSC Reorganised as 21 Field Supply Company
Construction of New Ration Store Completed as part of Operation Kupe, the return of units from Singapore. The Old 24 Supply Platoon Ration Store that was located outside of camp by railway extension was demolished.
16 December 1991
Major C.A Tarrant appointed as Officer Commanding, 21 Field Supply Company
1992
Ready Reaction Force Ordnance Support Group (RRF OSG), transferred from 3 Supply Company Burnham and absorbed into 21 Field Supply Company. Low cost shelters CB34a,b and CB35 erected)
December 1992
NZ Supply Detachment deployed to Somalia, majority of personnel are drawn from 21 Fd Sup Coy.
June 1993
NZ Supply Platoon deployed into Somalia, relieving the NZ Supply Det.
January 1994
NZ Supply Platoon deployed into Somalia, relieving the NZ Supply Platoon. The deployment ended in June 1994
1 March 1994
Major S.A Wagner appointed as Officer Commanding, 21 Field Supply Company
May 1994
Major Chas Chalton appointed as Officer Commanding, 21 Field Supply Company
1995
RNZAOC Supplier Trade combines with the All Arms Storeman Trade as Supply Quartermasters.
December 1996
21 Field Supply Company, becomes 21 Supply Company, Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR). Catering functions join the company as a sub-unit NOTE: this needs to be confirmed and might have happened earlier.
January 1997
Major H Duffy was appointed as Officer Commanding, 21 Field Supply Company, RNZALR.
